“Research has shown that laughter is essential to your well-being and confirms that insufficient laughter could be hazardous to your health.” As scientists have learned more about the brain, they’ve discovered that smiles and laughter stimulate the brain to secrete chemicals, including endorphins, which seem to stimulate healing, increase happiness and reduce pain.
Why do you need laughter in your life? “Laughter is a powerful tool for your health. It can provide muscle relaxation, release from anger and fear, stress reduction, prevention of heart disease, reduction in headaches and anxiety, and much needed socialization,” said Jenkins.
Considerable research has been conducted on the medical affects of laughter. In a series of studies at Loma Linda University in California, people exposed to regular doses of humor showed a significant increase in their immune system (the system that fights off disease and infection). While stress can weaken immune systems, humor can help strengthen them.
